It’s nearly 2 years since my Dad passed. We miss him. He was a rare combination of reliable anchor/advisor and goofball who could defuse situations and make us laugh. — with Joanna Nowak and Waldemar Nowak

It's been a year since his passing. We miss and remember him every day.

Plackis in honor of my dear friend Walt.

There is still so much I don't know about my Dad. Here he is in winter 2021 standing in front of the children's theatre in Wroclaw. I learned that he had an audition scheduled at this theatre shortly before leaving Poland and becoming an asylee in the 1980s. He was a very funny person, and I can imagine he would have made a lot of kids and people laugh had he landed a job as an actor.

There are so many ways in which I want to remember my Dad. These days when summer is nigh I remember him on trips, taking photos, or at home, grilling, or on the beach—which he loved—taking in some sun. Last month he would have turned 67. I wish we would have gotten more summertimes with him.

Im so sorry for you loss husband was an amazing person and he be deeply missed.

Dad in the Everglades. We miss talking and adventuring with you.

Dad shoveling snow. My dad didn’t really think about the impossibility of things. Once he lost his wedding ring at a Christmas tree farm. He liked to choose the best proportioned tree which meant going from tree to tree to tree. One year, upon returning home with such a tree he noticed his ring was missing. Instead of accepting the loss, he turned right around and went back to the farm revisiting in deep snow all the trees. A couple of hours later, he came back home—with his ring. I know this to be true because I was there for that "impossible" search.

Peter Gabriel released a new album this week. I almost called Dad to share the news. 

We created a playlist for the memorial in August and I find myself revisiting often. I'm sharing the music, as he always would: https://spoti.fi/3v9btFX

Dad and Kasia with elephants and flamingos in background.

Dad with lions in the trees—one of his favorite sightings during his visit to Tanzania.

On a boat trip in Zanzibar.

Heading to Chumbe Island, Zanzibar.

The new photos are a beautiful reminder of a really good human being. Thank you for sharing them. 

This past week marked 3 months since my dad passed. As I'm writing this from Tanzania, I would like to share one favorite photo from when he visited here nearly some 20 years ago. He cherished his visit and the warm hospitality he received. Here he is receiving bananas and other gifts from Mwinyi Khamis Mwinyi, with whom I worked.

Remembering my dad today and the joy he got out of the small things, like ice cream.

Knowing and working for Walt was an honor and a privilege.  His empathy, intellect, leadership, wit and wisdom helped to create the skilled teams and regions he oversaw.  His innate smarts, good nature and engaging accent helped to win over all those he interacted with during his life’s course.  Here’s to you, Walt!  You will always be fondly and respectfully remembered.

Walt was such a force of nature, larger than life, and always the center of any party. He created a wonderful team of such talented individuals and he was the center. I was always struck by his energy and personality. He walked everyday into the office and greeted every employee. He was an amazing boss, friend, and I am so thankful to have had in my life.

Walt’s legacy includes all that he mentored, including myself, and many others. He will always have a special place in my heart and someone that I will never forget.

We have been deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your father Kasia. Please accept our deepest condolences during this difficult time. Your father's memory will forever live on in the cherished moments you shared, the lessons he imparted, and the values he instilled in you and your family. If there's anything we can do to ease the burden or provide comfort, please don't hesitate to let us know. May you find strength, solace, and healing in the days ahead.

Iza & Kuba

My condolences to Walt's family. I first met Walt at Toll Brothers in 1998.  We quickly became friends and Walt eventually changed my life!  I was about to leave Toll Brothers to do land acquisitions for another builder when he lobbied hard to our VP to stay at Toll and do land acquisitions for them.  Walt was very persuasive and persistent.   Toll acquiesced and from that point on, I worked very closely with Walt for years.  We had a great time working together and did many deals for Toll.  We spent countless hours together driving around and doing "comps & profs".  We would listen to music and discuss politics.  We shared many common interests and backgrounds with both our fathers being instrumental in our building careers.  Walt was amazing at head math.  I remember a meeting with Bob Toll and Walt was so quick with the numbers (big numbers) that Bob gave him a look of admiration, which spoke volumes to me.  When Walt moved to Charlotte, I was going to move there too, just so we could continue working together.  More than that, I just loved being around him.  He was so funny and personable.  Whenever we  went out to eat or drink, which we did often, he had every server in the palm of his hand.  He used his, "funny accent" to break the ice and it was all laughs from there.  Walt was one of the smartest people I have ever met.  That, combined with his infectious personality made him truly a once in a lifetime friend.  I am so saddened by his passing.  However, it was a blessing from God to put this beautiful man in my life.  For that I am grateful and the memories of my dear friend are precious and will be kept near to my heart for the rest of my days.  I love you Walt.  May you rest in peace.

Walt was kind, smart, compassionate and so respectful of the contributions of everyone on the teams he built. 

On a personal level, he understood that we had lives and complications and would do everything in his power to allow you to adjust as needed. I will continue to be thankful to have had him in a part of my life.